It's Hard to Beat Gateshead's River Beat

This is a place I have now been to three times - never yet with my boys - but that may change once they realise you can get Dippy eggs with chips! 

And I have to say that has nearly tempted me every time ...

In a tranquil location in an old river police station on the Quayside, just a stone's throw or a few steps over the Swing Bridge from the bustling Newcastle Quayside you'll find River Beat. The decor is modern, welcoming and friendly. Tasteful, not overwhelming and with a comfortable feel. It also has an outside terrace with river views, but as yet I've not yet used.

On previous visits, I've shared tapas (amazing) and enjoyed a two-course lunch deal (not currently available). However, on this visit with three other people, I deliberated between the delicious-sounding gourmet tapas and a far eastern curry.

The curry won and I made a brilliant choice - River Beats spicy Thai Kelek ‘Yellow Boat’ Salmon and Tempura Soft Shell Crab (£12.50 served with Thai Steamed Rice) and with it I had a bowl of Roti Breads at £1.20. It was so tasty. Light but flavoursome, spicy but not burning, beautifully presented and just so slightly beat me - I had to leave a little rice and sauce. 

My friend chose a different curry the North Thai Chiang Mai, 24-day Salted Beef Sirloin; while the other two devoured Gourmet Tapas including Indonesian mushroom and pineapple Nasi Goreng egg roll; Pan-fried Scallops and Twice Cooked Belly Pork; Jasmine Smoked Tofu & Mushroom Dumpling; and Quick Seared Duck Breast with Pancakes with Sweet Potato Bravas and Courgette Chips.

It was all delicious. Nothing was left on the plates apart from a little rice. We had asked for a recommendation on how much food to order and it was perfect. The suggested accompaniments were also well chosen.

The service throughout was friendly, chatty, informative and efficient. The only downside is that we had been eyeing up the desserts but sadly were not offered the dessert menu to look at straight after the meal. We had, however, been in deep conversation and generating lots of belly laughter and had plenty of Prosecco to finish off, that by the time we had realised, we were no longer in the mood for pudding and headed off for one last cocktail!

River Beat say that they wanted to create a place where we would love to eat. A place where flavours could be shared and sampled. A relaxed place where you’re as comfortable dining alone as with friends and family. A place where you’d keep coming back too. 

River Beat you have succeeded!

Cost: With drinks £25 per head / without drinks £15 per head

Time: Can honestly say we were nearly the last ones to leave - time flies when you are having fun.

Equipment: Good chat, good food, plenty of drinks and good company.

Boys Club Rating: Again the food was amazing, service friendly, chatty and very helpful - making sure we did not order too much (which was very tempting). We will be back (again).

River Beat will celebrate its 1st birthday next month? Have you been yet?

Deb x

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